Warts

Warts on your feet won’t cause you any harm, but they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. If you or your child develops lesions resembling warts, talk to Caitlyn Lee, DPM, AACFAS, and Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, at Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. in Arcadia, California. They use the most effective treatments to rid you of warts and stop them from returning. Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today or book an appointment online to benefit from expert wart care.

What are warts?

Warts are growths triggered by a viral infection (human papillomavirus or HPV) that enters your skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Various strains affect many body parts, and several develop on the feet.

Plantar warts are the most common, occurring on the bottom of your feet and toes.

Plantar warts spread via skin-to-skin contact or sharing possessions with someone who has warts. People often pick up the infection through shared shower facilities and locker rooms, where others go barefoot. 

HPV viruses like the moisture in these environments as it helps keep them alive longer.

What do plantar warts look like?

Plantar warts look like tiny dark spots when they first form. They’re usually hard and feel rough or scaly, but some may have a spongy texture. 

You might experience discomfort when walking or standing if a wart grows in a weight-bearing area like the ball of your foot or rubs against your shoes.

Although warts are sometimes painful, they’re harmless. They may eventually go away on their own, but if they’re uncomfortable, visit Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. for treatment.

What treatments are available for plantar warts?

You can buy over-the-counter freezing sprays and medications for plantar warts, but they’re less effective than the products Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. uses. Frontline treatments include prescription-strength salicylic acid and other topical products.

Other options include freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen and using laser (light) energy to destroy them. Only in the most severe cases where nothing else works might you need surgery to remove plantar warts.

Never try to cut out a wart at home — significant pain is likely, and the risk of infection is high. You might also leave part of the wart behind so it regrows. Trust the experts at Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. to provide effective treatments with minimal to no discomfort.

How do I avoid getting plantar warts?

The best way to avoid getting warts on your feet is to always wear shower shoes in public gyms, pools, and other shared environments. Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with anyone else, and wash your hands and feet regularly.

If you develop warts, don’t pick at them — in fact, avoid touching them at all and never touch anyone else’s warts.

Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. if you spot any warts on your feet, or book an appointment online today.